Pilot cluster-randomised trial of adjunctive motivational interviewing to reduce crack cocaine use in clients on methadone maintenance

This pilot trial explored the effectiveness of an adjunctive single session of motivational interviewing (Ml) to reduce crack cocaine use in a methadone maintenance treatment population. Twenty-nine participants were cluster randomised by clinician to Ml or a crack information control condition as part of treatment as usual. The intervention had a modest impact on one crack cocaine measure but was not statistically significant in this small sample. A large and statistically significant reduction in heroin use amongst those in the Ml condition was observed. This pilot study demonstrated that it was feasible to incorporate a psychosocial intervention within a busy outpatient methadone maintenance programme and the findings support the value of undertaking a larger trial. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)